On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September, fans of the art trail flocked over to see all 103 penguin sculptures together in one place at Ipeco, Rochford, to celebrate a brrrilliant summer before they waddle off to their forever homes at the Grand Auction on 25th September.
The Farewell Weekend has raised thousands of pounds for the local charity, which provides specialist care and support for babies, children, young people, and adults living with incurable conditions across Essex. The trail concludes with a Grand Auction where 31 large sculptures and six small sculptures will be sold to the highest bidders to raise further vital funds for the charity.
Vanessa Harvey, Project Manager of Waddle-on-Sea, said: “Waddle-on-Sea has brought so much joy to thousands over the summer, and this weekend was the perfect send-off. It was heartwarming to see the community come together one last time to say goodbye to our beautiful penguins.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this possible – our partners, sponsors, volunteers, and the talented artists who brought these sculptures to life. A special thank you to our Presenting Partner, Ipeco, for generously hosting us over the weekend.
“Events like this are more than just fun – they fund the specialist care and support that Havens Hospices provides every single day. We hope to see many of you at the auction, whether in person or online, helping to give these penguins a new home and a lasting legacy.”
To learn more about the Waddle-on-Sea Auction – including how to bid online, by phone, or in person – visit: www.waddleonsea.co.uk/auction
Published on 15th September 2025
